SEBRING Teachers to meet over tentative pact

Both sides agreed not to discuss terms of the deal until it is ratified. SEBRING -- Members of the Sebring teachers union were to meet this morning to discuss and possibly ratify a tentative agreement with the Sebring Board of Education. The union and the board reached a tentative agreement at 4:10 a.m. Monday. In separate statements issued this morning, representatives for the teachers union and the board stated that no details will be released until an agreement is ratified. Superintendent Howard Friend said once the teachers ratify the pact, the board will schedule a meeting to vote on the contract. "The teachers have been very supportive throughout this crisis," said JoAnn Jones, spokeswoman for the union, which is called the Sebring Local Education Association. "We appreciate the support and encouragement we received from the community." Deadline: Teachers have been working without a contract since Aug. 31. The association issued a strike notice Jan. 11 and are scheduled to strike at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday if the agreement is not ratified by both parties. Friend stated last week in a letter to parents that if teachers strike Wednesday, school would be open: Classes would remain in session with qualified substitutes, and the district's attendance policy will be in effect. He said buses would run and breakfast and lunch programs would be offered. However, any extracurricular activities scheduled Jan. 23 or over remaining days of a strike would be canceled, he said.